Physical therapy
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The efficacy of a physical therapy outpatient program with multiple interventions to treat low back pain in subjects receiving workers' compensation was examined. The primary purpose of the study was to describe the level of disability, physical impairment, and rate of return to work for compensated patients. ⋯ Compliance, chronicity, and leg symptoms are all factors that can affect the outcome of physical therapy. The positive outcomes for subjects who complied with therapy suggest that a physical therapy program with multiple interventions may decrease disability and impairment.
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This case report presents a patient who developed right shoulder pain following strenuous upper-extremity exercise. Approximately 6 weeks later his pain resolved, he noticed persistent right upper-extremity weakness. He was referred to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment. ⋯ A case is presented, illustrating how the clinical decision making is based on the pathokinesiology and pathophysiology. The patient was followed over the course of 17 months and has recovered full right shoulder active range of motion. His serratus anterior muscle strength has increased to Good minus, and he reports significantly improved functional use of the upper extremity.